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mariadeloca

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Hi,we have a young mare who is out in paddocks during the day and has been for the last 3 months with no issues with neighbouring horses.Recently a new older mare has joined the stables and is positioned in the next paddock.She seems to have become very attached to out youngster.On collecting our horse yesterday,she came charging through the fence and went for me as we tried to take our horse back,we managed to get her away but she then barged our horse from the side as if to prevent her leaving and then turned to deliver me a kick(which i luckily avoided!!)She went frantic as we left ,calling out to us all the way up the lane.Shes only been here just over a week and her owner says she has really bonded with our horse but would you consider this to be a healthy attachment?Luckily my husband was with me when normally it would have been myself and my young daughter collecting her horse.The outcome could have well been very different.Some people are telling me that i should insist on one of them moving paddocks to prevent the fascination she has with our horse.Have been given a few conflicting words of advice so hope someone can help shed some light on the best course of action to take
 
I don't think healthy comes into it really, I think it's fairly natural for horses to bond... however it's clearly unhealthy for you if the new mare is going to attempt to kick you when you remove your young one! I am wary of these types of bonds as in my experience it makes leaving the yard for whatever reason quite stressful, so I think it's reasonable to ask for a bit of space - firstly so they don't get too attached, and secondly so you can leave the field without getting kicked!
 
Thanks so much for the replies,they really back up what we were thinking ourselves but wanted a bit more reassurance before going in and insisting one of them be moved.Just seems like a recipe for disaster the way things are at the moment
 
The older mare's behaviour was dangerous to you and your horse. No point taking a chance with safety. One of them should be moved as soon as possible
 
Is the old mare used to individual turnout? Has she had foals in the past?

She could settle with time, but there's always the chance that this set up doesn't suit her at all. Moving one of them into a paddock further away is definitely worth trying.
 
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